Arguments Against Dress Codes

Dress Code Con

Dress codes are a small part of an entirely bigger issue, rape culture. This means “a society or environment whose prevailing social attitudes have the effect of normalizing or trivializing sexual assault and abuse.” (google 1) When you tell a girl her outfit is a distraction , you're telling her that a “distraction free” learning environment is more important than her education. Dress codes are distracting and unnecessary. “This philosophy of blaming women’s attire for men’s behavior toward them is unethical.” (Berigan 1). Dress codes should be eliminated completely or enforced equally upon both genders. The reason for schools giving these clothing restrictions is because girls showing a little skin is considered inappropriate. Requiring the girls to change out of their “suggestive outfits” is taking away education time. What we need to do is teach boys how to respect women and not view them as sexual objects.

When we punish girls for wearing clothes that boys and male teachers find distracting, we are teaching an entire generation that men and boys are biologically

Attire that girls wear to express themselves helps raise their confidence. Tight fitting clothes are a way some girls express that they’re comfortable with their bodies. School dress code rules are not equally enforced upon both genders. Guys typically don't get sent home for showing their shoulders. A high school graduate, states “I’ve never seen a boy called out for his attire even though they also break the rules,” (Sunseri 1) Teachers and school officials tend to target girls when it comes to this matter. This is a sexist issue that needs to end all together. There has been no benefit to this rule and it has not accomplished any positive results. Sending girls home for this has only taken away valuable education